USA TODAY Co Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

USA TODAY Co. has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, revenue, and legal.

Driven by a digital-first approach, USA TODAY Co delivers national and local journalism, news content, events, and audience solutions, serving communities and advertisers through a large portfolio of media properties and publishing operations across the U.S. and U.K.

Leadership Roles at USA TODAY Co

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Michael Reed
  • General Manager, Columbus Monthly, Columbus Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Weddings - Katy Smith
  • Chief Financial Officer - Trisha Gosser
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Jason Taylor
  • Revenue Chief of Staff - Michelle Smith
  • Content Chief of Staff - Melissa Bodine
  • Executive Assistant To The Chief Human Resources Officer - Debbie Harris
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer At Gannett. USA TODAY NETWORK - Paul Ameden
  • Chief Legal Officer - Polly Sack
  • Chief People Officer - Samantha Howland
  • Michael Reed - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Reed, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at USA TODAY Co, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Overseeing the company's digital-first media operations, Michael Reed ensures alignment with market demands and drives innovation across USA TODAY, the USA TODAY Network, and Newsquest. This leadership role involves guiding the company's expansion and maintaining its position as a key provider of national and local journalism. By focusing on audience engagement and advertiser solutions, Michael Reed directly impacts the company's growth and market influence. Ultimately, Reed secures the long-term financial stability and strategic direction of the organization.
    Michael Reed

    Katy Smith - General Manager, Columbus Monthly, Columbus Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Weddings

    Katy Smith, the General Manager, Columbus Monthly, Columbus Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Weddings at USA TODAY Co, manages regional media operations with a focus on local market penetration. Overseeing the strategic direction and financial performance of Columbus Monthly and Columbus Weddings, Katy Smith ensures these properties deliver targeted content and advertising solutions to their respective communities. This leadership position involves driving revenue growth and operational efficiency within the local markets. By fostering strong relationships with advertisers and audiences, Katy Smith directly contributes to the USA TODAY Network's broader mission of serving communities. Ultimately, Smith strengthens the company's local journalism footprint.

    Trisha Gosser - Chief Financial Officer

    Trisha Gosser, the Chief Financial Officer at USA TODAY Co, directs all financial planning, reporting, and fiscal management. Overseeing the company's financial health, Trisha Gosser ensures robust budgeting, accurate forecasting, and strategic capital allocation across all media properties, including USA TODAY and Newsquest. This critical role involves managing investments, optimizing financial performance, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. By providing insightful financial analysis, Trisha Gosser supports executive decision-making and drives profitability. Ultimately, Gosser safeguards the company's financial integrity and supports sustainable growth initiatives.
    Trisha Gosser

    Jason Taylor - Chief Revenue Officer

    Jason Taylor, the Chief Revenue Officer at USA TODAY Co, spearheads all revenue generation strategies and initiatives. Overseeing sales, advertising, and partnership development, Jason Taylor drives top-line growth across the USA TODAY Network and its related brands. This executive position involves cultivating new revenue streams and optimizing existing ones through innovative advertising solutions and audience engagement strategies. By fostering strong relationships with advertisers and clients, Jason Taylor ensures the company meets its commercial objectives. Ultimately, Taylor maximizes the monetization of the company's extensive media portfolio.
    Jason Taylor

    Michelle Smith - Revenue Chief of Staff

    Michelle Smith, the Revenue Chief of Staff at USA TODAY Co, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the Chief Revenue Officer. Overseeing key initiatives and cross-functional projects within the revenue organization, Michelle Smith ensures seamless execution of sales strategies and partnership programs. This role involves analyzing market trends, identifying growth opportunities, and enhancing the efficiency of revenue-generating departments. By facilitating communication and driving alignment across sales teams, Michelle Smith directly contributes to achieving commercial targets. Ultimately, Smith enhances the effectiveness of the company's revenue-generating operations.

    Melissa Bodine - Content Chief of Staff

    Melissa Bodine, the Content Chief of Staff at USA TODAY Co, supports the strategic direction and operational execution of the company's content divisions. Overseeing initiatives that enhance journalism quality and audience reach, Melissa Bodine ensures content strategies align with the digital-first mission across USA TODAY and the USA TODAY Network. This role involves coordinating editorial planning, optimizing content distribution, and fostering innovation in news delivery. By driving collaboration among content creators, Melissa Bodine directly contributes to the company's reputation for delivering impactful journalism. Ultimately, Bodine strengthens the company's commitment to informative and engaging news content.

    Debbie Harris - Executive Assistant To The Chief Human Resources Officer

    Debbie Harris, the Executive Assistant To The Chief Human Resources Officer at USA TODAY Co, provides comprehensive administrative and operational support to the HR leadership. Overseeing scheduling, correspondence, and project coordination for the Chief Human Resources Officer, Debbie Harris ensures the efficient functioning of the human resources department. This role involves managing key communications and facilitating the smooth execution of HR initiatives across the organization. By maintaining organized workflows and providing critical support, Debbie Harris directly contributes to the effectiveness of talent management and employee relations. Ultimately, Harris ensures the HR department operates with maximum efficiency.

    Paul Ameden - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer At Gannett. USA TODAY NETWORK

    Paul Ameden, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer At Gannett. USA TODAY NETWORK at USA TODAY Co, directs the company's technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all IT operations, Paul Ameden ensures the development and implementation of robust digital platforms that support journalism, audience engagement, and business operations across the USA TODAY Network. This leadership position involves managing cybersecurity, data management, and technological innovation to enhance operational efficiency and competitive advantage. By driving technological advancements, Paul Ameden directly contributes to the company's digital-first transformation. Ultimately, Ameden ensures the company's technological foundation is secure and scalable.
    Polly Sack, the Chief Legal Officer at USA TODAY Co, oversees all legal affairs and ensures regulatory compliance across the organization. Directing legal strategy, Polly Sack advises on matters of corporate governance, intellectual property, and media law for USA TODAY and its associated brands. This critical role involves managing litigation, mitigating legal risks, and safeguarding the company's interests in all jurisdictions. By providing expert legal counsel, Polly Sack supports strategic decision-making and protects the company's reputation. Ultimately, Sack ensures the company operates within the bounds of all applicable laws and regulations.

    Samantha Howland - Chief People Officer

    Samantha Howland, the Chief People Officer at USA TODAY Co, leads all human resources functions and talent management strategies. Overseeing employee development, recruitment, and organizational culture, Samantha Howland ensures a supportive and high-performing work environment across the USA TODAY Network. This executive role involves shaping policies that foster employee engagement, diversity, and inclusion. By championing initiatives that enhance the employee experience, Samantha Howland directly contributes to attracting and retaining top talent. Ultimately, Howland drives the company's people strategy to support its business objectives and journalistic mission.
    Samantha Howland

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding USA TODAY Co Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads USA TODAY Co?
    USA TODAY Co is led by Michael Reed (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Katy Smith (General Manager, Columbus Monthly, Columbus Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Weddings) and Trisha Gosser (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of USA TODAY Co’s executive team?
    The executive team of USA TODAY Co includes leaders such as Michael Reed (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Katy Smith (General Manager, Columbus Monthly, Columbus Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Weddings), Trisha Gosser (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does USA TODAY Co have?
    USA TODAY Co has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in USA TODAY Co’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of USA TODAY Co includes roles such as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, General Manager, Columbus Monthly, Columbus Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Weddings, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Revenue Officer, Revenue Chief of Staff.